Building sights: Gaudi's Jurassic shapes continue to be the standard against which new design is judged in Barcelona

Gaudi remains the master of all that we survey

The speed of change in Barcelona is unsettling. So why does the work of one architect continue to dominate the landscape?

Two snorkellers enjoy the coral and fish found in the Red Sea

The Traveller's Guide to the Red Sea

Blue skies, golden sands and a rainbow of dazzling colours beneath the surface make this body of water the ideal winter warmer. Matthew Teller dives in.

48 hours in Lille

A short hop by train from Britain, the leading city in Northern France offers fine art, great cuisine and an abundance of Christmas spirit

Splash down: The Swiss city caters for high rollers, but you can get more for your franc if you know where to look

City Slicker: Geneva

Before you hit the ski slopes, take time to explore this gateway city to the Alps. Ian McCurrach offers a guide for new and returning visitors

Bangkok: Real Thai tranquillity

Andrew Spooner: Escape the heat and noise of Bangkok with a trip around the city's green hideaways.

Don't miss...

The Big Six
Live among the trees in these luxury forest retreats
Escape the crowds
Seven wild island hideaways

Yuletide shopping
The traveller's guide to Christmas markets
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<b>The advice:</b> Keen to stem Christmas cancellations, Cumbria Tourism has set up a helpline to ensure potential visitors receive the latest advice about which areas haven't been affected by the floods and are still open for business. Call 01539 825070

The adviceKeen to stem Christmas cancellations, Cumbria Tourism has set up a helpline to ensure potential visitors receive the latest advice about which areas haven't been affected by the floods and are still open for business. Call 01539 825070

48 hours in Bermuda

As the Queen arrives to celebrate the island's 400th birthday, Ben Ross prescribes the perfect mid-Atlantic winter break

Stay the night: Eco log cabins, Ludlow

These log cabins provide a cosy hideaway that's both friendly to the environment and luxurious

Five spots for winter glides

When the snow comes, grab your best bobble hat, scarf and gloves and head to these five fantastic destinations...

Walk this way: Jordan's sustainable tourism projects include the Dana Reserve, pictured, and the Al Ayoun trail

On the path of righteousness in Jordan

An eco-tourism initiative has sprung up on the trail followed by Abraham 4,000 years ago. Amar Grover steps out

Eat, drink and be merry: Christmas, Gothenburg-style

Christmas market: A smorgasbord of festive fun

Christmas in Gothenburg is a light- and food-filled extravaganza

The Big Six: Lodges in New Zealand

Places to stay on both the North Island and South Island

Back to my roots: Peter's children enjoy the freedom of island life

I'm no Alex Haley, but this feels just like home

Was it a holiday or was it the return of a prodigal son? Peter Victor was in two minds about a trip to his parents' birthplace

On The Road: The East African market where the brands come cheap

I am trying to decide between a Gap shirt and a Guess top. My partner has a carrier bag containing a pair of Adidas trainers and a Versace tie. We're not in a Dubai shopping mall or a Manhattan department store. We're shopping at an open market in Kisumu, a dusty little backwater on the shores of Lake Victoria in Kenya.

... And relax: find yourself at the Shanti Ananda in Mauritius

Travel challenge: A wellness holiday for 2010

Every week we invite competing companies to give us their best deal for a specified holiday. Today: a seven-night wellbeing holiday departing on 16 January 2010. Prices are for two people and include return flights from Heathrow and transfers.